Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people. In 2008, one young person between the ages of 15-24 died from suicide every two hours and three minutes. Today it seems that number has increased. You or someone you know is aware of another that has contemplated suicide.
SYMPTOMS
Below is a list of signs to gauge if a young person is suicidal:
Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means to kill themselves
Talking or writing about death, dying, or killing themselves (school work, art, creative writing posts online can be included in this category)
Expressing hopelessness or feeling they have no purpose in life
Reckless behaviors
Feeling trapped
Anger, rage, or seeking revenge
Increase in substance abuse
Withdrawing from friends and family
Dramatic changes in mood
Sleeping too much or the inability to sleep
Anxiousness or agitation
Giving away prized possessions
What can you do?
If you see these warning signs, do not be afraid to talk to them. Speak to them without showing fear or dread and without showing negative judgment. Your confidence can bring them reassurance. Be direct when you ask, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” Ask them, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” You will not put the thought into their minds by asking the questions; however, studies have shown that asking these questions has prevented them from following through with the action. Talking about it will indicate how serious they are.
Express concern and empathy; consider issues of eye contact, physical space, and your body language. Clearly state that these thoughts are common and that there is help to discuss these thoughts. Tell them they do not have to act upon their thoughts. Encourage them to do most of the talking. Above all LISTEN. Do not leave them alone.
Assess for risk of harm: If the situation going to escalate or already has, remove them from the area. If not, use a calm focused tone of voice and redirect their attention to the activity in progress.
Listen non-judgmentally: Listen to what they have to say on their level. Allow them to tell you their side.
Give reassurance and information: Tell them you hear what they are saying, reassure them so they know they are safe and can express their feelings.
Encourage appropriate help: Guide them to seek help from appropriate people and not to handle it themselves.
Encourage self-help support strategies: Encourage them to figure out the right way to resolve their conflict or grievance. Help them with appropriate strategies to avoid similar instances in the future.
If this situation is beyond what you yourself can handle, please seek an adult. ALWAYS make an adult aware of this situation.
Adults, please note: A higher level of planning can be indicative of a serious threat that needs immediate attention. These questions can be asked to assess such a situation.
Have you decided how you will kill yourself?
Have you decided when you would do it?
Have you taken steps to acquire the items needed to complete your plan?
Do not keep this a secret. All thoughts of suicide must be taken seriously! Stay aware of the goings-on in your group at all times. I don’t know how that happened isn’t the proper answer to give a parent!